AMERICUS —
An outstanding Amerius teen, a home-schooled student, Morgan Bowen, was recently named as an Everyday Youth Hero, which is awarded by Youth Service America (YSA), an organization which awards youth serving in substantial roles in their community.
Along with becoming a recipient of the award, Bowen received national recognition with a certificate, award letter and was featured in a National Service Briefing and is eligible for recognition as a YSA Service Star. She will also be featured on YSA’s website.
In a press release, YSA President and CEO, Steve Culbertson expresses his view of Bowen’s role in her community.
“Morgan Bowen exemplifies everything YSA looks for in a young leader. We receive so many applications from around the world and picking 50 is not only a tough challenge, but a testament to the significance of Morgan’s contributions to service in her community.”
Bowen is an 18-year-old who is no stranger to community service. She is well-known for her creative organization and involvement in various community service projects along with serving as an active member of her 4-H Club for four years. She has also attended various mission trips and has served as camp counselor and dance instructor at the Friendship Camp for the past three years.
“I was very honored to receive the award. It’s a good feeling to be recognized for your work. It also gives me the opportunity for others to find out enough about my project to encourage others to help,” she said.
Among Bowen’s biggest projects is her development of Operation Desert Support for U.S. troops in the Middle East.
“I had a brother who is in the Marines. I know how important it is for them to receive something from home,” said Bowen as she explained the beginning of her project.
“Basically, we hand-sew stockings, decorate them and collect items throughout the community,” she said, adding that the effort has collectively made 832 stockings in the past three years.
According to Bowen, Operation Desert Support (ODS) is something she plans for constantly throughout the year, but this year the first work day for the project called (Christmas in July) will be on July 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the County Extension Office.
“I started ODS to show support to the troops during Christmas. In 2010, I held two statewide workshops at Rock Eagle 4-H Center and spoke to the Rotary Club. If you would like any more information on ODS you can check out my website operationdesertsupport.com,” she said.
Bowen has also participated in fundraisers for a Taiwan mission trip for the purpose of hosting an English bible camp with over 200 people attending the Bible Camp Sunday Service.
“I taught English at Dali and Gongliao Elementary schools and I taught American sign language to English songs. We went to schools in different villages and had the kids make Easter bags which they used during an Easter egg hung during the camp if they came,” said Bowen.
Bowen also attended a 4-H Global Citizenship and Environmental Experience (GCEE) to Puerto Rico.
“It gave me the opportunity to experience environmental science through exploration of a variety of tropical ecosystems while learning about the lifestyles of people in other cultures,” she said.
Bowen has also served as dance instructor for area youth at the local Boys and Girls club.
“I go there once a week for six weeks, twice a year. I teach first to fifth graders dancing. I taught line dancing and also a Filipino folk dance. They performed it for a fundraiser during the Steak and Stake,” said Bowen.
Bowen has also assisted her brother Matthew in teaching wildlife classes at the club.
“I had a lot of fun teaching them. I love to see the smiles on their faces. I like the feeling of making a difference by teaching them things, otherwise, they would not have experienced,” she said.
Local News
Related Photos
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Morgan Bowen, Everyday Young Hero award recipient, stands in the middle of donations for Operation Desert Support, a project which she organized to support troops during Christmas holiday. Submitted photo
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Morgan Bowen receiving a coin from U.S. Army Chaplain Ronnie Irwin for her work with Desert Support. Irwin was one among many who received a Christmas stocking from Bowen. Submitted photo
Super teen
Morgan Bowen recognized for project that serves U.S. troops
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